Hip Replacement Surgery

What is Hip Replacement Surgery?

Total hip replacement surgery is a common orthopaedic procedure on hip joint. This procedure resurfaces the worn out joint surfaces and places implants to achieve good mobility. Hip replacement, or arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which the diseased parts of the hip joint are removed and replaced with new, artificial parts. These artificial parts are called the prosthesis.

Who Should Have Hip Replacement Surgery?

Damage to the hip joint can lead to significant pain and discomfort that interferes with daily activities. Often, these symptoms are first treated with medications, however, when medications cease to work, a hip replacement may be a good option.

The most common cause of damage to the hip joint is osteoarthritis. However, other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis (a chronic inflammatory disease that causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling), injury and fractures also may lead to breakdown of the hip joint and the need for hip replacement surgery.

Why Do People Have Hip Replacement Surgery?

For the majority of people who have hip replacement surgery, the procedure results in:

a decrease in pain

increased mobility

improvements in activities of daily living

improved quality of life.

Minimal of Less Invasive Total Hip Replacement

Traditional surgical approach requires an incision of 10 to 12 inches long with massive soft tissue exposure in order to reach the joint. Minimal or less invasive total hip replacement technique is part of the hip surgery evolution. The surgical approach requires about 3 to 5 inches long of skin incision with minimal soft tissue damage.

With such technique, intra-operative risk of bleeding and blood loss is much less. Hence, it has reduced the chances of blood transfusion. Minimal or less invasive total hip replacement surgery provides early mobilisation, less painful after surgery state and shorter hospital stay. Patients can potentially recover quicker and return to their normal lives sooner.